Events & Festivals
Ways to Welcome Spring in Medicine Hat
Spring in Canada's Sunniest City.
Spring in Canada's Sunniest City.
With 190+ kilometres of connected pathways, you’ll be led to many beautiful viewpoints of breathtaking bluffs, historic landmarks, and waterways like South Saskatchewan River and Seven Persons Creek. Watch out for the wildlife. Deer are always roaming the land, but please keep a safe distance and do not feed the wildlife.
Your plants are ready to thrive as spring arrives, and there are stores to invite greenery into your space. From succulents, to trees, shrubs, and flowering and non-flowering plants, you will find so many green and colourful friends to place on your shelf or plant in your yard.
Find a plant shop in Medicine Hat
The local owners of our coffee shops are always finding new and creative ways to introduce to us the most unique and delicious beverages. Whether it’s hot, cold, caffeinated, or decaf, a refreshing drink is always nearby.
Find a coffee shop in Medicine Hat
Through Medicine Hat Mural Fest, local and national artists have painted beautiful artwork on our brick buildings. All located in Medicine Hat’s Historic Downtown, you can enjoy the sunshine while you admire the talent that’s showcased from one end to the other in the heart of Medicine Hat.
Medicine Hat has workshops throughout the city, from pottery to plants, and painting. These spaces encourage creativity and are hosted by local business owners who are passionate about the topic. Find classes through Cosmic Clay Studio, Botanicals, Creative Freedom Art Hub, and Top Notch Custom Kreations.
Explore Medicine Hat's National Historic Site, and see old machinery, learn about the workers who produced the clay that was transported throughout Canada, and step inside a historic Beehive Kiln. Medalta offers guided and self guided tours, pottery workshops and classes (must pre-book) and hosts events throughout the year.
Find more details about Medalta
Canada's oldest, surviving, purpose-built movie theatre is in Medicine Hat, and they host multiple movies monthly. Movies are $5 cash, and then the concession is any two items for $5 cash. Watch a movie inside this historic site located in downtown Medicine Hat.
If you're looking for an event or festival to attend, from live music, craft workshops, local artisan markets, and more. Check out the Events Calendar for more things to do in Medicine Hat.
Carmen Bonilla and her family have lived in Medicine Hat since 2013 and love spending time outdoors — especially when spring and summer invite the warm sunshine to the city. She, her husband, four children, and dog love exploring a new park or trail when the weather warms. Strathcona Island Park is their favourite spot — they once spotted frogs during their visit, and going to the pond to scope them out is now a must! Before they start their adventure, Redcliff Bakery & Eatery or McBride’s Bakery is always their first stop to indulge in freshly-baked sweet treats!
Warmly welcome colourful flowers and lively plants into your yard, garden, and home.
You’re surrounded by an artistic boutique of all plants large and small in this space. The natural light in this building is beyond bright and will fill you with uplifting energy. AND, they’re dog friendly. The staff are total experts, so never be afraid to ask a question about the greenery. This store is open year-round.
Local Tip: Enjoy brunch or dinner at Hometown, a local restaurant with a chef-curated menu!
This giant greenhouse has rows and rows of flowers, trees, shrubs, and succulents featured both indoors and outdoors. From pots, to yard decor, you’re bound to fall in love with something that will fit perfectly in your space. After you wander around, head into John’s Butterfly House and observe hundreds of beautiful butterflies in their natural habitat. This garden centre is closed in the winter.
Local Tip: You can’t miss this location — look for the giant windmill outside of the building!
This location can be easily biked to from Medicine Hat’s Historic Downtown. Pedal across historic Finlay Bridge, arrive at Fresh Flowers & Gifts, and be welcomed with a selection of plants, pots, and artwork from local artists. Here, you will also find extravagant bouquets of flowers. This plant and flower shop is open year-round.
Local Tip: Head to Zucchini Blossom Market and Cafe for freshly baked treats, prepared meals, and brewed beverages!
More plant shops can be found around the city. Blondie’s Gift and Garden Center has a large greenhouse full of plants, botanicals, and accessories. Tilted Tulip a flower shop boutique that specializes in hand-tied bouquets to pre-order.
Healing herself, her ancestors, and those who watch her Jingle Dance.
“Once I hear the downbeat of the drum, the song takes over me. I feel close to my ancestors, like my spirit is floating." - Josie Saddleback
At an Indigenous market in summer 2021, Josie Saddleback was drawn to a beautiful jingle dress full of reds, turquoises, oranges, and yellows, with pockets that could hold her medicine and crystals. When dress fit like a glove, she knew jingle dancing found her in that moment. She practiced consistently, purchased her second dress the following December, and now jingle dances in Medicine Hat and across Alberta.
The jingle dress is a prayer of medicine dance to help afflicted people, and Saddleback feels she's completed her purpose as a Nehiyah Cree woman when she dances in hers. A part of her heals, and she passes on the healing energy onto those watching through the grounds she dances on.
Saddleback, whose Cree name is "White Bear Woman," has jingle danced in Medicine Hat and beyond since 2021. She's danced in front of the 215-foot-tall Saamis Tepee, inside Moose and Squirrel Bistro, underneath the sunshine in Kin Coulee Park, and in front of students at local schools, following her presentations.
The dancer is also an artist and owns Saddleback Stones. She drives the prairie roads in the summer and stays in the city to attend markets and sell her handmade rings, earrings, necklaces, and keychains.
When she was younger, Saddleback and her family would attend ceremonies, feasts, round dances, tea dances, sun dances and powwows, and she spoke fluently in Cree language to the friends and families she was surrounded by growing up.
In her teenage years, she and her family took part and danced for History in the Hills in Elkwater, where tipi’s are set up with cultural teachings for those who wanted to learn more about Indigenous culture.
These last few years have brought life-long friendships for Saddleback as she Jingle Dances and owns her business. She and the owner of The Copper Leaf Cafe have become close friends since finding each other's businesses through the Shop YXH Spring Campaign photoshoot in 2021. Saddleback's jewelry is currently featured in the coffee shop.
The artist was also featured for the Medicine Hat News’ Miywasin Moment for making orange ribbons for Every Child Matters and became connected to the Miywasin Friendship Centre. Through her dances and presentations at local schools, she's made special connections and listened to students' stories.
Local chainsaw artist gives old trees new life.
“It’s such a euphoric feeling. It feels so unreal to think that the sculpture came from me." - Marina Cole
On her way out of a Taekwondo class, Marina Cole noticed a wooden dragon sculpture that stole her attention for an hour. Fascinated and inspired by the art piece that was made in Japan and brought to Canada, Cole picked up her first chainsaw on April 9, 2016.
She now has pieces across Medicine Hat and has participated in international competitions, where she’s carved for 10 to 12 hours a day in Alaska, Australia, Montana, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Quebec, and Alberta.
“I always wanted to be an artist. Growing up as a kid, I was trying to be an artist in ways that almost felt forced. When I picked up that chainsaw, nothing has ever felt so natural,” says Cole. “It’s such a euphoric feeling. It feels so unreal to think that the sculpture came from me. I truly have to tell myself that it has been created by me when I step away and look at it.”
It’s also the wood that fascinates Cole, how it can quickly be transformed into an object that tells a story and brings emotion. She also enjoys being outside and connecting to nature when she’s creating. Her inspiration grows when she’s surrounded by artists who share the same passion as her at competitions, and from those she creates artwork for.
Recently, during a competition that showcased over 20 artists, Cole was one of three women that attended, and she placed fourth in the whole event.
“My biggest advice to anyone would be to do what your heart desires. I don’t know where I would be now if I hadn’t picked up that chainsaw.”
190+ kilometres of paved-trails to explore the entire city of Medicine Hat.
Medicine Hat has 190+ kilometres of trails that lead you around the coulees, up and down the hills, throughout the trees, and along the South Saskatchewan River. The trails connect neighbourhoods in Medicine Hat, so whether you’re taking a stroll, biking, rollerblading, or skateboarding, you’re able to explore the city solely on the paved trails.
Atop a northside coulee in the neighbourhood of Crescent Heights, there is a trail that brings panoramic views of Medicine Hat — its Historic Downtown and the other natural scenes in the city. In the far distance, you will see the rolling hills in Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park.
Police Point Park is located on the north side of the city and is known for its Northwest Mounted Police and Indigenous histories. While you walk the paved loop, enjoy the view of old cottonwood trees — some being 200 to 300 years old.
Connected to the main trail in Police Point Park, this off-leash dog trail has a beautiful view of the South Saskatchewan River — it’s seriously right beside you. Pet some puppies along the way, or bring your own for some fresh air, and watch the bright sunlight reflect off the water and onto the trees.
This paved trail features the South Saskatchewan River, Historic Finlay Bridge, and Historic Railway Bridge. If you find yourself in Medicine Hat’s Historic Downtown, this trail is only a few blocks away. A starting point could be behind the Medicine Hat Public Library.
Between Kin Coulee Park and Strathcona Island Park, this paved trail makes for a nice, long outing and the perfect bike ride. It connects with so many other trails; the whole experience is in your hands.
Downhill from Saamis Tepee, this Indigenous space dates back thousands of years ago. Nature surrounds you as you walk around and hear the calming sounds of Seven Persons Creek. Go through the tunnel underneath Trans-Canada Highway, and you’re in Kin Coulee Park.
This quiet paved trail will lead you in and shortly after, you’ll be met by a fork in the road. You can’t go wrong, either way you’ll have a clear view of the coulees and little hamlet, Veinerville. The left turn will take you towards Scholten Hill, with a view of the city. Turn right, you’ll become lost in the prairies with the train tracks beside you.
This beautiful park invites you in with a sunshine glow and the most breathtaking view of coulees and bluffs. This park has paved, unpaved, and mountain biking trails, and an off-leash dog trail.
The TransCanada Trail is a part of The Great Trail in Canada. The entire length is 27,000 kilometres and connects the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic oceans. The Strathcona Island Park Pavilion, found in Strathcona Island Park, lists the individuals who played a crucial role in making the trail happen.
The TransCanada Trail in Medicine Hat passes many great spots in the city. It begins or ends in the Ross Glen neighbourhood or near Trans-Canada Highway. For a leisure stroll or bike ride, you can start this trail in two spots.
Strathcona Island Park: A trail that features playgrounds, wildlife, and up-close views of the South Saskatchewan River. Deer often roam and relax with their families in this space, so be sure to keep any four-legged pets on a leash.
Riverside: Connected to Police Point West Trail, become encompassed in trees, leaves, and feel the warmth of the shaded sunlight while you explore this tunnel of nature. In the open peeks, you’ll have a shiny view of City Hall, and if you look up at Finlay Bridge, you’ll be enlightened to know the truss bridge was built in 1908.
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Rent a bike from Gravity Sports to explore these trails
trails in the summer reel | trails in the fall reel
See the most beautiful parts of the South Saskatchewan River.
A large waterway in a prairie city calls for an event like the Great Big Paddle. The South Saskatchewan River invites the relaxed and friendly float to begin in Echo Dale Regional Park, where giant cliffs and red rock lead the way. After a few hours of stunning scenery, Strathcona Island Park pulls the group in to finish the float.
“When you’re on the river, you get a view that’s totally different from land. It’s a very unique viewpoint. You see wildlife and vivid red cliffs. The face in the rocks has been there for many, many moons — and once people know about it, they look for it everytime they float the river,” says Tara Goddu, three-year Medicine Hat Paddle Club member.
In a beautiful area of the city, a renewed sense of wonder is energized during the Great Big Paddle. The event brings a sense of comradery as everyone comes down the waterway. It invites attendees to bring family and friends and potentially meet some new ones.
“If you do the Great Big Paddle, you’ll more than likely love it. It’s the first step to explore the different waterways we have in the area,” says Goddu.
The Great Big Paddle is inclusive. It’s for beginners and avid paddlers. There are local businesses that rent out equipment, but book early because it goes quickly.
All Great Big Paddle participants must supply their own equipment, including a lifejacket. For more information about paddling the South Saskatchewan River in Medicine Hat, join the Medicine Hat Paddle Club (@medicinehatpaddleclub) Facebook page.
Floating Island, Stand-Up Paddle Board, Single Person Kayak, Two Person Tandem Kayak
outdoorxcaperentals.ca
403.928.2454
Medicine Hat's first hot air balloon festival, Rise Up.
Every May, over a dozen eye-catching hot air balloons lift off from a new location at each scheduled time, and float into the sky while the sun rises and sets.
Willy Taillon and his wife, Cindy, started the annual Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival in 2021, in partnership with addiction and mental health non-for-profit, Our Collective Journey.
“Seeing one balloon in the sky is very cool, but when you watch multiple take off at the same time, it really is something special,” says Willy.
The third annual family event will host flights from May 23-26, 2024. Both Friday and Saturday evenings feature a flight and balloon glow — where half of the hot air balloons are inflated, illuminated, and tethered to the ground so people can see them up close after sunset, while the other half lift off before sunset.
All day Saturday will be a free community day in Medicine Hat’s Historic Downtown, which will include a market, food trucks, and family-focused activities.
“The festival is planned for people to enjoy the beauty of the balloons and our landscape. Whether they attend the event or see us fly during any other day, they have that moment to take in and be in-awe of what they’re seeing,” says Cindy.
Depending on the wind direction, there may be a new location each day where the balloons take-off. Weather may cancel flight times as well.
Be sure to follow along and receive updates here.
Travel PRs from all over the world experience Medicine Hat's coffee culture through the Coffee Tour.
On a sunny day in Medicine Hat, Karen Keller, along with an international team of travel PRs, rode a bus down a coulee and crossed the South Saskatchewan River on the Trans-Canada Highway. A left turn onto the oldest street, First Street, led them to the city's bright downtown, where they’d be introduced to the first coffee shop on the tour, Madhatter Coffee Roastery (now known as Poolhouse Roastery & Cafe).
Immediately, the crew felt friendliness and warmth and a charm Keller will never forget, along with the knowledge shared at the roastery about ethical coffee beans and why they taste and smell a certain way.
“It was this cute coffee shop in a small city in Alberta, but here’s this team working with communities to ethically harvest and cultivate coffee. It was the perfect small-town viewpoint meets global perspective on the work they’re doing, and they have the passion to make it happen,” says Keller.
The blue sky welcomed the group as they left the roastery; the sun giving heat to the downtown core. As they walked to the next coffee shop, they soaked in the energizing warmth while listening to stories about the historic downtown from Tourism Medicine Hat’s executive director and tour guide, Jace Anderson.
“Jace pointed out old cinemas and buildings with the original fixtures and the beautiful public art,” says Keller. “The coffee itself was a nice underpinning in getting to know the people and spirit of the city. There were great personalities behind each cafe, and it was clear that, at each place we went, people had a lens they were able to communicate well.”
After the group walked a couple blocks intrigued by the area, Inspire Cafe (owners have retired and is now note:) greeted them with sophisticated sweets and a delightful pour over. This cafe carried the passion and attention to detail in a different way for Keller. Although these cafes were close in distance, they each offered a very different experience.
Across the street, the owner of Station Coffee Company prepared coffee flights and tasting treats. He told stories about the historic building they all sat in and the coffee and the baked sweets they indulged in, while local art hung on the walls around them.
“A lot of our reps live in big cities — Frankfurt, Sydney, London — and they were all blown away by the quality, the care, and charisma from the owners,” says Keller. “The people who were put in front of us, they all had great knowledge of the city. They each had something to offer in terms of telling some history. Some pointed across the block and brought the conversation to Medalta, because they had Medalta pottery. The story itself is very cool, but when you put it in front of people, the story really comes to life.
Jace Anderson has been the executive director of Tourism Medicine Hat for eight years, but he has been a local hatter for over 25 years. Coffee has stuck by his side through many years of his life, and his love for the coffee culture in the city has only grown more day-by-day and cup-by-cup.
“It is not lost on me that Medicine Hat has a really beautiful appreciation for coffee, and to have as many independent coffee shops as we do, all within walking distance in the downtown, is really special. From a tourism perspective, my thought was what can we do to celebrate our uniqueness,” says Anderson.
This is when Anderson pieced together the coffee tour to highlight the independent approaches to coffee, as well as the stories that surround these coffee shops. The coffee shops are the thread, and it’s the narrative within the area that brings people from place to place, he says.
“You can find a great cup of coffee in most communities in Western Canada, but to be able to roll into a community like this and see so many independent approaches to coffee in an environment where they’re all supportive and working together — we wanted to draw attention, and the best way to do that was through the coffee tour,” says Anderson.
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